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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Todd Monken’s no dummy.
The new head coach of the Browns knows how to exploit weaknesses on the football field. He proved that as offensive coordinator for the Bucs, Browns and Ravens before getting his shot in Cleveland this year. [read more]
Aside from linebacker Josiah Trotter blowing up in his first NFL game, outperforming Derrick Brooks and matching T.J. Watt, an even more surprising outcome came on the defense. [read more]
It’s fitting that JoeBucsFan.com columnist/podcaster Ira Kaufman will walk into the Raymond James Stadium press box tomorrow for the Bucs-Browns game wearing a media badge and carrying a laptop.
Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of Kaufman launching his illustrious career in sports media.
Kaufman clocked in on the Manhattan sports desk of United Press International at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20, 1976. His daily shift ended at 1:30 a.m. — followed by a vodka tonic at a bar across the street.
Starting pay was $140 a week — enough to afford an occasional wee hours western omelet (post-vodka) and train fare back home to Brooklyn.
By 1978, Kaufman was routinely covering the NFL and his big break came immediately following that ’78 season. Kaufman was named New York Giants beat writer for UPI, replacing Greg Aiello, who later became the longtime chief NFL spokesperson. [read more]
Sloppy ball security. Presnap penalties. Shaky adjustment to a bad headset. Top receiver not getting the ball in the second half. Veteran leaders playing with their heads in the clouds. A bad defensive line misalignment that led to a long Bengals run and a personal foul. [read more]
We should know by noon today whether Jalen McMillan will suit up for the Bucs for his first appearance in pewter and red — or, white on white, which the Bucs will wear Sunday in the home opener of the 2026 season. [read more]
Joe thinks of the Bucs having a very deep receiver room with a quarterback who, at times, can play very high-level football behind a top-three offensive line. [read more]
There really aren’t any proper superlatives in the King’s English to describe what an unreal player Tristan Wirfs has been for the Bucs since he was plucked in the draft in 2020. [read more]
On paper, the Bucs should mow through the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Tampa Bay’s home opener. 
It’s been a week but the memory lingers. 
Can the unthinkable happen on Sunday? 
